Assistant Professor in Architecture - Dubai - Heriot-Watt University

Description

Assistant Professor in Architecture (Undergraduate Focus)

Grade: 7

School: School of Energy Geoscience Infrastructure and Society

FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE Full time 35 hrs per week

Location: Dubai Campus

The School of Energy Geoscience Infrastructure and Society, established in Dubai in 2015, is a leader in multidisciplinary research and teaching for economic development and societal equity.

We teach civil engineering, architectural engineering, architecture, construction management, and quantity surveying on our Dubai campus. Our degree programmes have the appropriate accreditation from the relevant professional body, ensuring excellent employment prospects for graduates.

The Architecture Programme

Heriot Watt University has a strong global identity, and our Architecture programme is forged through its strategic location in Dubai, offering students a recognized UK course with a global education. The progressive approach places an emphasis on educating innovative and resilient architecture graduates capable of leading and collaborating across teams.

The UAE's crossroads between east and west provides opportunities for students to engage with challenging global issues, including climate change, environmental needs, resource shortages, population growth, and the UAE's culture with its emphasis on advanced technologies, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Detailed Description

This is an exciting opportunity to develop a leading role in innovative teaching and scholarship. Heriot Watt University is known for its research-informed course delivery and global multicampus education. The successful applicant will have a student-centred approach to pedagogy and curriculum design, encouraged to innovate.

We are seeking expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Architectural Design
• Digital Platforms for Design
• History and Theories of Architecture
• Sustainable Design
• Construction and Technology

Previous teaching experience and commitment to the student experience are essential. Evidence of innovation in teaching delivery is desirable. Applicants must possess demonstrable team working and communication skills, holding an internationally recognized postgraduate degree in Architecture (RIBA and/or ARB or NAAB or other internationally recognized accreditation).

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and lead on the delivery of an innovative Undergraduate Architectural Design Studio on the RIBA Part 1 accredited BA (Hons) Architecture programme and contribute to the new M. Arch. programme.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of the curriculum in the programme.
• Work closely with the Global Head of Discipline for Architecture and the Architecture team to develop the programme and explore new innovative courses and learning and teaching methods as aligned with RIBA Professional Criteria for Validation and the graduate attributes.
• Design, prepare, and develop a range of learning and teaching materials appropriate to the subject area to meet the learning outcomes for those course/s as aligned to the RIBA educational framework.
• Undertake scholarly activity related to the effective delivery of the curriculum and maintain subject expertise aligned to the latest developments in the field of architecture, technology, and contemporary issues.
• Provide effective, well-documented, and timely feedback both formative and summative to students.
• Contribute to the monitoring of the quality of learning and teaching through course monitoring, contributing to quality assurance across the programme, school, and university.
• Provide appropriate pastoral support, recognising the varied cultural backgrounds of the student cohorts.
• Stay abreast of developments in architecture education and ensure that these developments are reflected in the evolution of the learning and teaching methods employed on the programme.
• Work with the team to develop further opportunities for student placements, internship, and student mentoring with the profession, enhancing the existing strong industry engagement within the programme.
• Conduct assessment and moderation across the discipline area, ensuring this is rigorous, fair, and clear, undertaken within the policies established by the School and University.

Research and Knowledge Exchange

• Carry out self-managed scholarly activity and make professional contributions to your area of expertise.
• Continue to develop your professional expertise through CPD and membership of either RIBA/ARB or International Professional membership.
• Exhibit design work at exhibitions and end-of-year shows. Publish student outputs and enter student work for international prizes and awards such as the RIBA Presidents Medals.
• Contribute technical and research expertise where relevant to potential live and research projects.

Academic Management and Administration

• Undertake administrative tasks associated with programme planning, preparation for examination and progression boards, course development teams, etc.
• Provide academic leadership in the key areas of design, construction, and technology, representation, and history and theories that are the core of the programme course structure.
• Participate fully in admissions processes, selection, and induction of students.
• Take a proactive role both internally and externally in promoting and marketing programmes of study, ensuring the effective and efficient recruitment of students and the achievement of home and international recruitment targets.
• Participate as a member of appropriate committees as required.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.